Symbiotic system for testing electromagnetic signal coverage in areas near transport routes

ABSTRACT

A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/741,031 filed Jan. 14, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/838,995, filed Jul. 19, 2010, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/763,875, filed Jan. 23,2004, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/505,036, filed Sep. 22, 2003; and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/505,822, filed Sep. 24, 2003. All ofthese applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The following disclosure relates generally to the field of regionaltesting of signal coverage in a wireless telecommunications system andmore particularly, to the task of optimally allocating a plurality ofportable signal test units among a fleet of service vehicles embarkingon routes assigned according to the needs of a service enterprise.

2. Description of Related Art

Many wireless telecommunications providers monitor signal coverage in aparticular region by sending a vehicle with a signal testing unit to theregion in response to customer complaints. Testing signal coverage on anad hoc basis represents an inefficient use of labor, equipment, andresources. Monitoring signal coverage only after a problem is reporteddoes not boost customer confidence and it relies on customers to reportcoverage gaps promptly and accurately.

The planning of efficient and effective systems for monitoring signalcoverage presents a variety of technical and logistical challenges. Manywireless providers maintain small fleets of equipped vehicles to bedeployed to a particular area when testing is needed, such as when a newcell tower is erected or a sector configuration is updated. Testing mayalso be required during certain peak times, such as the morning orevening rush hours.

Supporting and maintaining a captive fleet of vehicles in each region ormajor metropolitan area requires trained personnel and logisticssupport, in addition to the cost of the signal testing units. As thedemand for and use of wireless communication devices continues toincrease, the task of monitoring signal coverage in every major marketnationwide represents a significant logistical and economic burden formost wireless providers. Thus, there exists a need in the art for anefficient and cost-effective system of testing electromagnetic signalcoverage in a geographical area when the need arises to gather signaldata. There is a further need for an efficient and scalable system,capable of testing a specific target area or an entire regional network,either on a one-time basis or on a regular and continuing basis.

Certain illustrative and exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses aredescribed herein in connection with the following description and theaccompanying drawing figures. The examples discussed represent only afew of the various ways of applying the principles supporting thematerial disclosed and, thus, the examples are intended to includeequivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, when considered inconjunction with the drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is not an extensive overview and is not intendedto identify key or critical elements of the apparatuses, methods,systems, processes, and the like, nor is it intended to delineate thescope of such elements. This Summary provides a conceptual introductionin a simplified form as a prelude to the more-detailed description thatfollows.

Certain illustrative example apparatuses, methods, systems, processes,and the like, are described herein in connection with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawing figures. These examplesrepresent but a few of the various ways in which the principlessupporting the apparatuses, methods, systems, processes, and the like,may be employed and thus are intended to include equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features may become apparent from the detaileddescription which follows, when considered in conjunction with thedrawing figures.

The example methods, products, and systems described herein facilitatethe testing of electromagnetic signal strength in or near a target area.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of testingelectromagnetic signal strength near a target area may include:establishing test parameters, employing a service enterprise having afleet of vehicles serving a territory near the target area, each of thevehicles assigned to one of a plurality of routes according to adispatch plan, the dispatch plan comprising vehicle data and route data,comparing the test parameters to the dispatch plan for each of theplurality of routes, identifying one or more optimal routes from amongthe plurality of routes based on the results of the comparing, theoptimal routes comprising those most nearly satisfying the testparameters, installing one of a plurality of electromagnetic signaltesting units in the vehicle assigned to each of the one or more optimalroutes, and receiving data gathered by each of the plurality of signaltesting units.

In another aspect of the method, the step of establishing testparameters may include storing a geographic parameter, and the routedata may include a start location, an end location, and one or moreintermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the method, the step of storing a geographicparameter may include storing one or more tower identifiers, eachdefining a tower location, and storing one or more sector identifiers,each of the one or more sector identifiers comprising a sector locationand an antenna configuration.

In another aspect of the method, the step of establishing testparameters may include storing a time parameter describing a timewindow, and the route data may include a start time corresponding to thestart location, an end time corresponding to the end location, and oneor more intermediate stop durations corresponding to the one or moreintermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the method, the step of storing a time parametermay include storing one or more lingering parameters, each of the one ormore lingering parameters comprising a linger duration, a toweridentifier, and a sector identifier.

In another aspect of the method, the step of establishing testparameters may include storing one or more unit parameters, each of theone or more unit parameters comprising a unit type and a unit feature,and storing a quantity parameter defining an available number of theunits, wherein the vehicle data includes a number of vehicles in thefleet.

In another aspect of the method, the step of installing may includeproviding a universal bracket in each vehicle in the fleet, the bracketconfigured to releasably receive any of a variety of types of thetesting units.

In another aspect of the method, the step of establishing testparameters may include assigning a weight to one or more of the testparameters, each of the weights correlated to the importance of the oneor more of the test parameters relative to the others.

In another aspect of the method, the step of comparing the testparameters to the dispatch plan may be executed by a computer softwareprogram product.

In another aspect of the method, the step of establishing the testparameters may be accomplished by a wireless provider, the wirelessprovider generally unrelated to the service enterprise.

In another aspect of the present invention, a computer software programproduct is provided for testing electromagnetic signal strength near atarget area. The product may include: a first executable portionconfigured to store test parameters, a second executable portionconfigured to store a dispatch plan for a fleet of vehicles serving aterritory near the target area, each of the vehicles assigned to one ofa plurality of routes according to a dispatch plan, the dispatch plancomprising vehicle data and route data, a third executable portionconfigured to compare the test parameters to the dispatch plan for eachof the plurality of routes, a fourth executable portion configured toidentify one or more optimal routes from among the plurality of routesbased on the results of the third executable portion, the optimal routescomprising those most nearly satisfying the test parameters, a fifthexecutable portion configured to identify the vehicle assigned to eachof the one or more optimal routes, the vehicle to receive one of aplurality of electromagnetic signal testing units, a sixth executableportion configured to receive data gathered by each of the plurality ofsignal testing units.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storetest parameters including a geographic parameter, and the secondexecutable portion may store route data including a start location, anend location, and one or more intermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storetest parameters including a geographic parameter comprising one or moretower identifiers, each defining a tower location, and one or moresector identifiers, each of the one or more sector identifierscomprising a sector location and an antenna configuration.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storetest parameters including a time parameter describing a time window, andthe second executable portion may store route data including a starttime corresponding to the start location, an end time corresponding tothe end location, and one or more intermediate stop durationscorresponding to the one or more intermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storetest parameters including a time parameter comprising one or morelingering parameters, each of the one or more lingering parameterscomprising a linger duration, a tower identifier, and a sectoridentifier.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storetest parameters including one or more unit parameters, each of the oneor more unit parameters comprising a unit type and a unit feature, and aquantity parameter defining an available number of the units, and thesecond executable portion may store vehicle data including a number ofvehicles in the fleet.

In another aspect of the product, the first executable portion may storea weight assigned to one or more of the test parameters, each of theweights correlated to the importance of the one or more of the testparameters relative to the others.

In another aspect of the present invention, an system is provided fortesting electromagnetic signal strength near a target area. The systemmay include: a plurality of electromagnetic signal testing units, awireless provider establishing test parameters, a service enterprisehaving a fleet of vehicles serving a territory near the target area,each of the vehicles in the fleet assigned to one of a plurality ofroutes according to a dispatch plan, the dispatch plan comprisingvehicle data and plan data, means for comparing the test parameters tothe dispatch plan for each of the plurality of routes, means foridentifying one or more optimal routes from among the plurality ofroutes based on the comparing means, the optimal routes comprising thosemost nearly satisfying the test parameters, one of the plurality oftesting units installed in the vehicle assigned to each of the one ormore optimal routes, and a receiver for receiving data gathered by eachof the plurality of signal testing units.

In another aspect of the system, the test parameters may include ageographic parameter, and the route data may include a start location,an end location, and one or more intermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the system, the geographic parameter may includeone or more tower identifiers, each defining a tower location, and oneor more sector identifiers, each of the one or more sector identifierscomprising a sector location and an antenna configuration.

In another aspect of the system, the test parameters may include a timeparameter describing a time window, and the route data may include astart time corresponding to the start location, an end timecorresponding to the end location, and one or more intermediate stopdurations corresponding to the one or more intermediate stop locations.

In another aspect of the system, the time parameter may include one ormore lingering parameters, each of the one or more lingering parameterscomprising a linger duration, a tower identifier, and a sectoridentifier.

In another aspect of the system, the test parameters may include one ormore unit parameters, each of the one or more unit parameters comprisinga unit type and a unit feature, and a quantity parameter defining anavailable number of the units, and the vehicle data may include a numberof vehicles in the fleet.

In another aspect of the system, the system may further include auniversal bracket in each vehicle in the fleet, the bracket configuredto releasably receive any of a variety of types of the testing units.

In another aspect of the system, the test parameters may include aweight assigned to one or more of the test parameters, each of theweights correlated to the importance of the one or more of the testparameters relative to the others.

In another aspect of the system, the comparing means may include acomputer software program product. In another aspect of the system, theidentifying means may include a computer software program product.

In another aspect of the system, the wireless provider may be generallyunrelated to the service enterprise.

These and other objects are accomplished by the methods, products, andsystems described herein and will become apparent from the followingdescription of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention may be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description, taken with the accompanying drawing figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless telecommunications system,depicting several cell towers and a group of hexagonal cells, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the wireless telecommunications systemillustrated in FIG. 1, superimposed upon an illustration of a map ofroads in a service territory, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a dispatch plan, including several routes,superimposed upon the road map illustrated in FIG. 2, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a cluster of stops along a route,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a series of steps executed by awireless provider and a service enterprise, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a composite illustration of the wireless system depicted inFIG. 2 and the routes illustrated in FIG. 3, together illustrating asystem according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a signal testing unit mounted to abracket in a selected vehicle, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application claims the benefit and priority of the following patentapplications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety: the U.S. Provisional Application bearing Ser. No. 60/505,036,filed Sep. 22, 2003; and the U.S. Provisional Application bearing Ser.No. 60,505,822, filed Sep. 24, 2003.

1. Introduction

Exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses are now described withreference to the drawing figures, where like reference numerals are usedto refer to like elements throughout the several views. In the followingdescription, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details areset forth in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of thesystems, methods, apparatuses, and the like. It may be evident, however,that the exemplars described may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, common structures and devices are shown inblock diagram form in order to simplify the description.

As used in this application, the term “computer component” refers to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, software, acombination thereof, or to software in execution. For example, acomputer component can be, but is not limited to being, a server, aprocessor, a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, athread of execution, a program, and a computer. By way of illustration,both an application running on a server and the server itself can be acomputer component. One or more computer components cans reside within aprocess and/or thread of execution and a computer component can belocalized on a single computer and/or distributed between and among twoor more computers.

“Software,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to, one or morecomputer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a computer,computer component and/or other electronic device to perform functions,actions and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may beembodied in various forms like routines, algorithms, modules, methods,threads, and/or programs. Software may also be implemented in a varietyof executable and/or loadable forms including, but not limited to, astand-alone program, a function call (local and/or remote), a servelet,an applet, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating systemor browser, and the like. It is to be appreciated that the computerreadable and/or executable instructions can be located in one computercomponent and/or distributed between two or more communicating,co-operating, and/or parallel-processing computer components and thuscan be loaded and/or executed in serial, parallel, massively paralleland other manners. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art that the form of software may be dependent on, for example,requirements of a desired application, the environment in which it runs,and/or the desires of a designer or programmer or the like.

“Data store,” as used herein, refers to a physical and/or logical entitythat can store data. A data store may be, for example, a database, atable, a file, a list, a queue, a heap, and so on. A data store mayreside in one logical and/or physical entity and/or may be distributedbetween two or more logical and/or physical entities.

The systems, methods, apparatuses, and objects described herein may bestored, for example, on a computer readable media. Media may include,but are not limited to, an ASIC, a CD, a DVD, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, adisk, a carrier wave, a memory stick, and the like. Thus, an examplecomputer readable medium can store computer executable instructions fora method for managing transportation assets. The method includesplanning a route for a transportation asset based on the analysis ofdata retrieved from an experience-based route database.

To the extent that the term “includes” is employed in the detaileddescription or the list of exemplary inventive concepts, it is intendedto be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as thatterm is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.Further still, to the extent that the term “or” is employed in the listof exemplary inventive concepts (for example, A or B) it is intended tomean “A or B or both.” When the author intends to indicate “only A or Bbut not both,” the author will employ the phrase “A or B but not both.”Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive use, not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary Of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d ed. 1995).

It will be appreciated that some or all of the processes and methods ofthe system involve electronic and/or software applications that may bedynamic and flexible processes so that they may be performed in othersequences different than those described herein. It will also beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that elements embodiedas software may be implemented using various programming approaches suchas machine language, procedural, object oriented, and/or artificialintelligence techniques.

The processing, analyses, and/or other functions described herein mayalso be implemented by functionally equivalent circuits like a digitalsignal processor circuit, a software controlled microprocessor, or anapplication specific integrated circuit. Components implemented assoftware are not limited to any particular programming language. Rather,the description herein provides the information one skilled in the artmay use to fabricate circuits or to generate computer software toperform the processing of the system. It will be appreciated that someor all of the functions and/or behaviors of the present system andmethod may be implemented as logic as defined above.

Many modifications and other embodiments may come to mind to one skilledin the art who has the benefit of the teachings presented in thedescription and drawings. It should be understood, therefore, that theinvention is not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and alternative embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the disclosure and the exemplary inventiveconcepts. Although specific terms may be used herein, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

2. A Wireless Provider

In general, a wireless telecommunications system may include a networkof radio base stations or cell towers 100 supporting an array ofantennas, each broadcasting a downlink signal 110 to various mobiledevices, such as wireless telephones. As shown in FIG. 1, the downlinksignal 110 may be directed toward a particular area or sector 120. Thespace around a tower 100 may be divided into any number of sectors 120.A signal 110 may have an adjustable beamwidth, signal strength, pointingangle, and other variables that produce a desired amount of sectorcoverage from that signal 110.

The geographic area served by the cell towers 100 may be divided intohexagonal cells 200 such as the ones shown in FIG. 1. In theory, thesignals 110 may be expected to serve an entire cell 200. In practice,however, due to interference from various sources including terrain andmanmade structures, the signals 100 generally serve or cover a finitesector 120. A sector 120 may take various shapes, as shown.

Often, sectors 120 overlap somewhat and thereby provide continuouscoverage between and among contiguous cells 100. In some cases, however,the sectors 120 do not provide complete coverage, leaving a gap 130 suchas the one shown in FIG. 1. A gap 130 may cause a serious and noticeablelapse in coverage for an area, especially if there is a major road orother collection of active users within the gap 130. One such major roadis illustrated in FIG. 2, in which a road map is superimposed upon thenetwork of cell towers 100 from FIG. 1.

The road passing through the gap 130 in FIG. 2 represents an area wheremany customers may experience an unexpected discontinuity in coverage. Awireless provider may become aware of the gap 130 from customercomplaints, estimates or approximations of signal strength and sectorshape, random testing, or by the system of the present invention in oneembodiment. The gap 130 may prompt the wireless provider to identify oneor more cell towers 100 or hexagonal cells 200 of interest that requirefurther investigation or testing. The wireless provider may also selector define a target area 70 (as shown) near the gap 130, which may or maynot include one or more cell towers 100 and other network features.

In practice, the target area 70 may or may not include a gap 130 insignal coverage. A wireless provider may select a target area 70 fortesting for any reason or no reason. For example, a target area 70 maybe selected on the basis of new equipment installed nearby or because ofcustomer reports unrelated to a gap 130 or related to a gap 130 not yetidentified. Also, a wireless provider may select a target area 70 on arandom basis, as part of a system-wide testing and monitoring program,for example. Once the need to test is identified, the wireless provideris faced with the task of testing the signals and related equipmentwithin or near the target area 70.

3. A Service Enterpise

In one embodiment, a system 10 according to the present invention mayinclude a service enterprise that may be generally unrelated to thewireless provider. The system 10 may include several service enterprisesor several related divisions or subsidiaries of a single serviceenterprise. The service enterprise may serve a similar or nearbyterritory relative to the area served by the wireless provider.

In one embodiment, the service enterprise may operate a fleet of servicevehicles within a service territory 20, as shown in FIG. 3. The serviceterritory 20 may include a single hub or several hubs 300, 361, 366,367, 369. The vehicles in the fleet may be dispatched along variousroutes 61-69 by the service enterprise according to a dispatch plan 60such as the one shown in FIG. 3. For example, a vehicle may bedispatched from hub 361 along a first route 61. Other fleet vehicles maybe dispatched from hub 300 along a second route 62, a third route 63,and so forth.

A dispatch plan 60 may include the same or similar routes every day, orthe plan 60 may vary on a daily or other basis. For a service enterprisesuch as the U.S. Postal Service, for example, the daily routes aregenerally fixed. For many other types of service enterprises, however,customer participation and daily demand are generally stochastic(random). A subset of customers with a repeating or daily need maysometimes be identified. Generally, however, the list of participatingcustomer addresses will vary significantly on any given day. The typesof services provided along the set of routes may also varysignificantly. For example, the service may include pickups as well asdeliveries. Additionally, the service types may include specific pickuptimes or guaranteed delivery times.

A dispatch plan 60 may include vehicle data and route data, in oneembodiment. The vehicle data may include the number of vehicles to bedispatched, the type or size of each vehicle, a specific route number oridentifier to which each vehicle is assigned, and other data linking thevehicle to one or more routes in the plan. The route data may includegeographic characteristics, such as a start location, an end location,and one or more intermediate stop locations. Route data may also includetime data, such as a start time corresponding to the start location, anend time corresponding to the end location, and one or more intermediatestop durations corresponding to each intermediate stop location.

The system constraints on a service enterprise may include the numberand capacity of the vehicles in its fleet, the number of drivers, andthe number of hours in a work day. The geography of the serviceterritory 20 also creates a unique set of constraints and challenges. Inone embodiment of the present invention, a service enterprise may be anytype of company or enterprise generally serving a territory or regionalong definable routes, such as a delivery company, a service and repaircompany, a private or public transit system, a railroad, an airline, andthe like.

One approach to serving a territory 20, for example, may includedispatching vehicles from a central hub to a specific outlying area orcluster 40, as illustrated generally in FIG. 4. Within a cluster 40, atravel route may include a sub-route 45 between and among one or morestops 42. Each stop 42 may include one or more service activities, suchas a parcel delivery or pickup for example. In this aspect, the routes61-69 shown in FIG. 3 may include one or more clusters 40 where multiplestops 42 are required.

The roads shown in FIG. 3 are based upon the major roads as drawn inFIG. 2. As shown, the routes 61-69 in FIG. 3 traverse portions of thesame major roads shown in FIG. 2. If FIG. 3 is superimposed upon anenlarged section of FIG. 2, the result is illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a composite illustration of the wireless system and targetarea 70 depicted in FIG. 2 and the routes 61-69 illustrated in FIG. 3.The nearby cell towers 100 and their respective sectors 120 of coverageare also shown in FIG. 6.

4. Commensal Symbiosis

In biological terms, symbiosis describes a situation in which twodissimilar organisms live together. The types of symbiosis includeparasitism (in which one organism benefits at the other's expense),commensalism (in which one organism benefits greatly and the other isnot much affected), and mutualism (in which both organisms benefit fromthe relationship).

Commensalism is perhaps best demonstrated by the relationship betweenthe remora and the shark. Remora are small fish that live on and aroundsharks. A remora has a sucker-like disk on its dorsal side which allowsit to temporarily attach to a shark. Both creatures benefit from thesymbiosis, but the remora benefits much more than the shark. The remorareceives a steady source of food by feeding on scraps left by the shark.The shark benefits because the remora also eats tiny, shrimp-likeparasites that live on the shark's skin.

In the context of an embodiment of the present invention, commensalsymbiosis describes a mutually-beneficial and cooperative relationshipbetween a wireless provider and a service enterprise in one embodimentof a a system 10 according to the present invention. More particularly,a commensal symbiotic relationship may exist in a system 10 such as theone illustrated in FIG. 7, between a signal testing unit 80 and aselected service vehicle 96. Like a remora attached to a shark, atesting unit 80 may benefit the wireless provider by being carried alongby the selected service vehicle 96 of the service enterprise. In thisaspect, the wireless provider may be described as employing the serviceenterprise to carry the testing unit 80. Signal testing in a target areais accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testingunits 80 and the selected vehicles 96, whereby the wireless providerbenefits from having the units carried along routes already beingtraveled by the vehicles for a generally different purpose, such asdeliveries.

The testing unit 80 may be portable and may be carried along a routewithin or near a target area 70 (as shown in FIG. 6) where signaltesting is desired. In exchange, the service enterprise operating theselected service vehicle 96 may receive a fee or other considerationfrom the wireless provider.

In one embodiment, the routes traveled by the vehicles are near thetarget area 70 where signal testing is desired. As used in thisapplication, the term “near” includes a route either wholly or partiallywithin the boundaries of a target area, as well as a route or portion ofa route passing within relatively a short distance from a target area.The desired proximity of a route to a target area may be defined by thesystem according to the needs of the testing to be conducted. Forexample, one test may request routes lying entirely within the targetarea, whereas another test may request routes passing within a hundredmiles of the target area. The test parameters, discussed below, mayinclude a geographic parameter in one embodiment, which may include thedesired proximity of the routes to be selected near the target area.Accordingly, the term “near” as used herein represents a variable to bedetermined by participants in the system of the present invention.

5. A Method of Allocating Test Units Among Selected Vehicles

In one embodiment, the system 10 of the present invention includes amethod of assigning each signal testing unit 80 to be temporarilyinstalled in a selected vehicle according to the logistical intersectionbetween a set of test parameters 90 and a dispatch plan 60. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a wireless provider 150 may develop aset of test parameters 90, while the service enterprise 30 develops adispatch plan 60. The characteristics of the intersection between thetest parameters 90 and the dispatch plan 60 depend upon a large numberof variables, many of which are specific to the particular target area70 selected for testing.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a series of steps executed by aservice enterprise 30 and a wireless provider 150, according to oneembodiment of the system 10 of the present invention. In general, thefirst several steps taken by each entity 30, 150 may occur independentlyof the other. The service enterprise 30 may create a dispatch plan 60regardless of the actions taken by the wireless provider 150. Similarly,the wireless provider 150 may establish test parameters 90 regardless ofthe actions taken by the service enterprise 30. In one embodiment, thewireless provider 150 and/or the service enterprise 30 may delegate thetasks described in the steps herein to a different company or entity.

As shown, the service enterprise 30 may begin in Step 31 by identifyingthe stops 42 within a service territory 20. The service enterprise 30may execute one or more formal or informal route planning algorithms 50in Step 32. In one embodiment, the system 10 of the present inventionmay include a route planning algorithm 50 such as the one described inthe U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/647,062, entitled “CoreArea Territory Planning for Optimizing Driver Familiarity and RouteFlexibility,” which was filed Aug. 22, 2003, and is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. In Step 33, the service enterprise 30 maycreate a dispatch plan 60 designed to serve the stops 42.

The wireless telecommunications provider 150 may begin in Step 151 byidentifying one or more cell towers 100 or hexagonal cells 200 ofinterest. Based upon the region and the need, the wireless provider 150may select a target area 70 in Step 152. In Step 153, the wirelessprovider 150 may establish a set of test parameters 90 to govern aspectsof the testing to be accomplished.

5.1. Test Parameters

In one embodiment, the system 10 of the present invention mayaccommodate a multitude of test parameters 90 or rules. The testparameters 90 may include few variables for a simple plan, or they mayinclude a multitude of variables for a more complex plan. A simple plan,for example, may include testing one region at a time, testing regionsin a random pattern, or testing a region served by new equipment. A morecomplex plan, for example, may include testing specific regions inresponse to customer complaints or technical difficulties, or testingspecific regions based on a technical analysis of signal data.

The test parameters 90 may be set or established by a wireless provider,a service enterprise, both jointly, or by another entity. Theestablishment of the test parameters 90 generally defines the desiredcharacteristics and limits of the testing to be performed.

The test parameters 90 may include a geographic parameter describing thegeographic traits or boundaries of the target area 70. The geographicparameter may describe the area 70 numerically or graphically or both.The geographic parameter may relate to political divisions such as zipcodes and city limits, natural features such as rivers, manmade featuressuch as roads, latitudes and longitudes, locations defined by GlobalPositioning Satellite (GPS) data, or any other reference that provides areliable and defined location.

The test parameters 90 may also include a tower parameter describing thelocation of each cell tower 100 of interest. The tower parameter mayinclude the latitude and longitude, the graphical location on a map, theGPS coordinates, or any other indicator of the particular tower ortowers 100 involved in the test.

The test parameters 90 may also include one or more sector identifiersfor each tower 100, including data such as: (a) the geographic limits orborder of the sector 120 as designed or as previously measured, in twodimensions or three; (b) the beamwidth, azimuth, pointing angle, orother data describing the configuration of the antenna for the sector120; and (c) any other sector characteristics that may be particularlyuseful during testing.

The test parameters 90 may also include a unit parameter identifying thetype of signal testing unit 80 best suited or selected for use in thetest. A unit parameter may include a unit type indicator, one or moreunit features, and other relevant characteristics of each testing unit80 available for use. The testing unit 80 may be defined by such factorsas manufacturer, model number, serial number; whether it sensescellular, analog, or digital transmissions; and other factors orfeatures that may be desired for testing in a particular target area 70.

The test parameters 90 may also include a quantity parameter identifyingthe total number of signal testing units 80 requested for use in thetest. The quantity parameter may reflect the number of units 80 requiredto produce a statistically-reliable set of data 190, in accordance withthe type of analysis to be performed on the data. In one embodiment, thequantity parameter may be used to determine a daily visit frequency; inother words, the number of testing units 80 requested to be within ornear a target area 70 during a particular day.

The test parameters 90 may also include a time parameter, such as apreferred time window, which may include a specific start and stop timesuch as for a specific peak period. In one embodiment, the timeparameter may be used to establish a test duration, which may vary froma number of minutes to a number of entire days or longer. The timeparameter may also include a more general window, such as morning orafternoon, morning rush hour, afternoon rush hour, and the like. Thetime parameter, in one embodiment, may include day characteristics, suchas weekday, weekend, holiday, special event, peak day, and the like.

The test parameters 90 may also include a lingering parameter, which maybe expressed in units such as a number of minutes per hour withinvarious sectors 120, a number of total minutes in a sector 120, and thelike, along with other limitations such as a range of times with amaximum and minimum and/or a lingering time expressed as a percentage ofthe total test duration. A lingering parameter may include a lingerduration, a tower identifier, a sector identifier, and other datadescribing the desired duration of testing in a particular area or zone.In some applications, the duration of time spent within a particularregion or sector 120 may be particularly useful to satisfy the testparameters 90.

In one embodiment, an importance factor or weight may be assigned to oneor more of the test parameters 90, in order to identify those parametersof particular importance to a given test. For example, a lingeringfactor of a minimum number of minutes per hour within a certain sector120 may be identified by the wireless provider 150 as one of the moreimportant test parameters 90. Accordingly, a greater weight may beassigned to the lingering parameter for use during the comparison inStep 35.

In one embodiment, the test parameters 90 may be stored manually or in acomputer, using a database or other software program to facilitate thedevelopment, storage, retrieval, and transmission of the test parameters90. In use, the system 10 of the present invention in one embodiment maybe executed using a computer software program product with multipleexecutable portions or routines designed or programmed to accomplisheach step in the system.

5.2. Comparing the Test Parameters to a Dispatch Plan

The test parameters 90 may be transmitted to the service enterprise 30,as shown in Step 154 on FIG. 5. The service enterprise 30 may receivethe test parameters 90 in Step 34.

The Step 35 of comparing the test parameters 90 to the dispatch plan 60,in one embodiment, may include the application of an algorithmspecifically tailored to associate selected test parameters 90 withcertain characteristics of the dispatch plan 60. The algorithm in oneembodiment may be executed manually when practical, for simple testplans, for example. In another embodiment, the algorithm may be storedand executed using software on a computer system.

In general, the goal of comparing the test parameters 90 to the dispatchplan 60, in one embodiment, is to identify one or more optimal routeswithin the dispatch plan 60. An optimal route may be defines as a routethat satisfies or nearly satisfies the test parameters 90. The degree towhich the test parameters 90 are satisfied may be defined by the systemaccording to the needs of the testing to be conducted. For example, onetest may require a perfect match between all the characteristics of theroutes selected and all the test parameters 90, whereas another test mayrequire only a relatively close match. Accordingly, the term “optimalroute” as used herein represents a route that meets the needs of thetest, as defined by the test parameters 90 as well as the degree ofsatisfaction requested by the terms of the test.

The task of identifying the optimal routes, in one embodiment, may beexecuted by any of a variety of identifying means, such as thosedescribed herein, depending upon the complexity of the identification.For example, a manual or graphical means for identifying may beperformed for relatively simple test parameters and a simple dispatchplan, whereas a digital or computer means for identifying may be neededfor more complex test parameters involving larger geographic areas ortime windows and dispatch plans including many routes and a large numberand variety of fleet vehicles.

The execution of the algorithm in Step 35 may involve generally, in oneembodiment, a comparison of geographic, equipment, and time factors.

A. Geography

In one embodiment, the test parameters 90 related to geographicalconsiderations may include a geographic parameter, a tower identifier,and a sector identifiers. A tower identifier may include data defining atower location, a tower capacity, and other data related to towerperformance. A sector identifier may define a sector location, anantenna configuration, power specifications, and other data related tosector performance. The dispatch plan 60 may include geographical datasuch as the service territory 20, and the routes 61-69 to be traveled.

In one embodiment, a first step may be to select a dispatch plan 60 nearthe target area 70 for consideration. A dispatch plan 60 may includemany routes. It should be noted that routes from different dispatchplans 60 may be considered and selected when determining how best tocover a single target area 70. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the routes mayoriginate from different centers or hubs 300, 361, 366, 367, 369. Inanother embodiment, the routes and dispatch plans 60 of a separateservice enterprise may be included when considering which routes bestcover the target area 70.

One or more routes in the dispatch plan 60 may be selected for analysis,in one embodiment, based upon a visual comparison between a map of thetarget area 70 and a map of the routes. For example, in FIG. 6, theroutes lying generally within or near the target area 70 may be selectedfor closer technical analysis.

In one embodiment, a map of the target area 70 and a map of the set ofroutes 61-69 may be superimposed upon one another for comparison, asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 6. The maps may be superimposed digitallyor by other means sufficient to allow a comparison of the features ineach respective map.

The test parameters 90 for some target areas 70 may be satisfied using amap comparison technique, while other target areas 70 may includeparameters 90 requiring additional analysis. The comparison in Step 35,in one embodiment, may include an analysis of the geographicalcharacteristics of the individual stops 42 along each route 61-69. Asshown in FIG. 4, a travel route may include one or more sub-routes 45between and among one or more stops 42 in a cluster 40.

In one embodiment, the tower identifier and the sector identifiers maybe compared to detailed location data describing each of the nearbyroutes, such as the routes 61-69 shown in FIG. 6. The comparison ofthese locations may be accomplished using data stored in similarcoordinate systems (comparing GPS data, for example) or the comparisonmay require a conversion or translation of the data into like units.

B. Equipment

In one embodiment, the test parameters 90 related to equipmentconsiderations may include the unit parameter and the quantityparameter. The dispatch plan 60 may include equipment data such as thenumber of service vehicles 26 in the fleet 24, and the number of thosevehicles equipped with a suitable bracket 21 as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a signal testing unit 80 mounted to abracket 21 on a selected service vehicle 96. The unit 80 may include aninternal antenna for broadcasting data. The bracket 21 may include aconnection to one or more antennae 23 connection such that, when thetesting unit 80 is inserted into the bracket 21, the unit 80 may be incommunication with the antennae 23. The antennae 23 may include one ortwo antennae for gathering wireless data and a third antenna fortransmitting or receiving location data, such as a GPS signal. Thebracket 21 may include a locking feature to prevent unauthorized removalor transfer.

In one embodiment, a signal testing unit 80 may be temporarily mountedon a selected service vehicle 96 in order to allow the unit 80 to beplaced in any vehicle for a particular test. In this aspect, a testingunit 80 may be placed in a different vehicle each day, depending uponthe target area 70 to be tested and the dispatch plan 60 to be followed.

The bracket 21, in one embodiment, may include various connections oradapter plates so that it may function as a universal docking stationfor various kinds of signal testing units 80. For portability, theuniversal bracket 21 may include connections to releasably receive anyof a variety of types of testing units 80. A universal bracket 21 mayfacilitate the quick transfer of testing units 80 to different vehicles,without the need to match a particular unit manufacturer to theparticular bracket installed in the vehicle. A universal bracket 21 mayalso facilitate the use of various units 80 for more than one wirelessprovider 150.

C. Time

In one embodiment, the test parameters 90 related to time considerationsmay include the time parameter and the lingering parameter. The dispatchplan 60 may include time data within the detailed description of each ofthe nearby routes, such as the routes 61-69 shown in FIG. 6.

The comparison of the time-related test parameters 90 to thetime-related route data from the dispatch plan 60 may involvesophisticated algorithms to predict the movement, travel time, and stoptime for each service vehicle in the dispatch plan 60. The analysiscomparing the test parameters 90 and the nearby routes 61-69, therefore,may include a detailed analysis of the expected duration in minutes ofeach individual stop 42 within each sector 120 along each route in thedispatch plan 60. As shown in FIG. 4, a travel route may include one ormore sub-routes 45 between and among one or more stops 42 in a cluster40. For example, when comparing the time-related test parameters 90described above, the data about a stop 42 may include a time window, aduration, a daily visit frequency, and other time-related data that maybe particularly useful in making a comparison between each particularroute and the target area 70. If the test parameters 90 include apreferred time window near a particular sector 120, for example, theexpected time window for a particular stop 42 may be one of theimportant factors in selecting the route (and the vehicle) best suitedto carry the signal testing unit 80.

D. Executing the Comparison Step

The comparison executed in Step 35 of the present invention, in oneembodiment, may include one or more algorithms designed to comparegeographic data, equipment data, and time data, both independently andin relation to other data. In one embodiment, the algorithm may includeaccess to a relational database to facilitate and speed the comparisonof vast amounts of inter-related data. The algorithm or algorithms mayalso consider the importance factor or weight assigned to one or more ofthe test parameters 90, in order to produce results tailored to closelymatch those parameters of particular importance to a given test.

The task of comparing the test parameters 90 to the dispatch plan 60, inone embodiment, may be executed by any of a variety of comparing means,such as those described herein, depending upon the complexity of thecomparison. For example, a manual or graphical means for comparing maybe performed for relatively simple tests, whereas a digital or computermeans for comparing may be used for more complex test regimes.

The system 10 of the present invention may include one or more computersor processors, one or more computer networks, a web server, and varioussoftware applications to execute the comparison algorithm. As can beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the one or morecomputer networks facilitate communication between computer processors.These one or more computer networks may include any of a variety oftypes of computer networks such as the Internet, a private intranet, apublic switch telephone network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), orany other type of network known in the art. In one embodiment,communications between computers and processors may be implemented orvia the Internet using Internet protocol (IP).

In one embodiment, a main processor or server may include a processorthat communicates with other elements via a system interface or bus.Also included in the server may be a display and input device forreceiving and displaying data. This display and input device may be, forexample, a keyboard or pointing device that is used in combination witha monitor. The server may further include memory, which preferablyincludes both read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Theserver's ROM may be used to store a basic input/output system (BIOS),containing the basic routines that help to transfer information betweenelements within the server.

In addition, the server may include at least one storage device, such asa hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, or optical diskdrive, for storing information on various computer-readable media, suchas a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, or a CD-ROM disk. As will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of these storagedevices may be connected to the system bus by an appropriate interface.The storage devices and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage. It is important to note that the computer-readablemedia described above could be replaced by any other type ofcomputer-readable media known in the art. Such media include, forexample, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks,and Bernoulli cartridges.

A number of program modules may be stored by the various storage devicesand within the RAM. Such program modules may include an operating systemand other software applications. Also located within the server may be anetwork interface for interfacing and communicating with other elementsof a computer network. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skillin the art that one or more of the server components may be locatedgeographically remotely from other server components. Furthermore, oneor more of the components may be combined, and additional componentsperforming functions described herein may be included in the server.

In general, the comparison Step 35 produces the identification of aselected service vehicle 96 to carry each signal testing unit 80.Because each service vehicle may be assigned to a particular route, theselection of the routes 61-69 best suited to test the target area 70 maytherefore lead to the identification of the selected service vehicles96. The selection of route 64, for example, may necessarily lead to theidentification of the service vehicle 96 selected to carry a unit 80along route 64.

The task of identifying the service vehicle to carry a unit, in oneembodiment, may be executed by any of a variety of identifying means,such as those described herein, depending upon the complexity of theidentification. For example, a manual or graphical means for identifyingmay be performed for relatively small fleets, such as referring to alist of vehicle numbers and route identifiers. On the other hand, adigital or computer means for identifying may be used for more complextests involving larger fleets of various vehicles and multiple routes.

In Step 36, the signal testing units 80 are assigned to selected servicevehicles 96 and in Step 37, each unit 80 may be temporarily installed ineach vehicle 96. A temporary installation may be facilitated by abracket 21 for receiving the unit 80, as shown in FIG. 7.

6. Symbiosos in Action

In one embodiment, the signal testing units 80 temporarily installed inselected service vehicles 96 may gather data in or near the target area70, as described in Step 38 in FIG. 5. No action by the driver isrequired, in one embodiment, other than to proceed along the assignedroute.

A signal testing unit 80 may include any type of equipment desired bythe wireless provider 150 or other participating entity. In oneembodiment, the test unit 80 may include a computer, a software program,a global positioning system (GPS), and a modem capable of transmittingdata 190 in a Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network.

Each signal testing unit 80 may be configured to gather datacontinuously or it may be set to gather data during a certain timewindow, in response to an external command or the detection of a signal,or otherwise programmed to operate in a desired manner. The units 80 maytransmit data 190 (Step 39) during the course of the route. The datatransmission may be continuous, in real-time or almost real-time, or itmay occur in batches.

The data 190 may be received (Step 155) and analyzed by the wirelessprovider 150. The steps in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, may be repeated ona daily or other periodic basis, according to the target area 70identified for study. The target area 70 and or its corresponding testparameters 90 may change daily or more often, or may remain constantover an extended period.

In one embodiment, the system 10 of the present invention may bescalable in multiple dimensions. In this aspect, the system 10 mayaccommodate target areas 70 of various sizes and test parameters 90 ofvarious durations. For example, the system 10 may be capable ofconducting “saturation testing” of a relatively small target area 70(such as the gap 130 illustrated in FIG. 6) during a relatively shorttime period (a single day or a specific time window, such as the morningrush hour). On the other end of the spectrum, the system 10 may forexample be configured to conduct “random testing” of a relatively largetarget area 70 (such as an entire wireless network serving a majormetropolitan area) to gather data 190 on a continual or ongoing basis(for an entire year, for example, or until further notice). A system 10for so-called random testing may include the assignment of routes andvehicles 96 that is truly random, but also may include assignments thatare sequential, stochastic, or otherwise planned to adequately survey alarge target area 70 in a statistically-representative manner (accordingto the test parameters 90).

7. Forming a Cooperative

In one embodiment, the system 10 of the present invention provides anopportunity for symbiosis between a service enterprise 30 and any otherentity or business concern that may derive benefit from a piece ofequipment, a person, or another thing being carried along one or moreroutes in a dispatch plan 60. In this aspect, the comparison of testparameters 90 to a dispatch plan 60 (Step 35) may include, in oneembodiment, the analysis of factors other than those involved in testingelectromagnetic signal strength in a wireless network.

Although the embodiment of the system 10 of the present inventiondescribed herein is most often related to delivery vehicles and awireless provider, other types of vehicles and providers arecontemplated. The types of vehicles suitable for use in the system ofthe present invention run the gamut, from persons on foot, toautomobiles, to aircraft and spacecraft. A target area 70 may be aneighborhood, an ocean, or a region of space. For example, a fleet ofaircraft may be used to carry signal testing units 80 in order tomeasure electromagnetic signal strength along various flight paths. Inother contexts, a set of satellites may be used to carry units 80designed to sense the radiation bombarding a planet from a particularregion of space.

In this aspect, any entity for example may develop a set of parameters90 tailored to its particular data needs within a territory. Thesymbiotic sharing of space on a vehicle assigned to a particular routemay benefit any number of entities or businesses, including those notspecifically listed herein. Parameters 90 may be developed andintegrated into the system 10, for example, for everydaydelivery-related tasks such as the distribution of newspapers tosubscribers. The signal testing units 80 may be configured to broadcasta message to selected citizens within a particular target area 70, forexample, according to parameters 90 such as message content, messagetype (commercial, informative, political, public service), broadcastformat (audio, video, text), duration, frequency, and othercharacteristics. The system 10 of the present invention may beconfigured in one embodiment to compare any such set of parameters 90 tothe known characteristics of a dispatch plan 60, effectively andefficiently assign a unit 80 to a selected vehicle 96, and accomplishthe objectives defined by the parameters 90.

8. Conclusion

The described embodiments of the invention are intended to be merelyexemplary. Numerous variations and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications areintended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined inthe appended list of exemplary inventive concepts.

What has been described above includes several examples. It is, ofcourse, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems,methods, computer readable media and so on employed in planning routes.However, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that furthercombinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, thisapplication is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, andvariations that fall within the scope of the appended list of exemplaryinventive concepts. Furthermore, the preceding description is not meantto limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the inventionis to be determined only by the appended list of exemplary inventiveconcepts and their equivalents.

While the systems, methods, and apparatuses herein have been illustratedby describing examples, and while the examples have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended list of exemplaryinventive concepts to such detail. Additional advantages andmodifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to thespecific details, the representative systems and methods, orillustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe applicant's general inventive concepts.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of testing electromagnetic signalstrength near a target area using a fleet of vehicles serving aterritory where each of the vehicles is assigned to one of a pluralityof routes according to a dispatch plan, the method comprising: receivingtest parameters for testing electromagnetic signal strength wherein thetest parameters include a target area and a time parameter; accessingsaid dispatch plan, wherein said dispatch plan comprises vehicle dataand route data, wherein said route data comprises time data indicatingan expected time window during which a vehicle travelling the route islikely to arrive at a given location; comparing said test parameters tosaid dispatch plan for each of said plurality of routes; identifying oneor more select routes from among said plurality of routes based on theresults of said comparing, said select routes comprising thosesatisfying said test parameters including said target area and said timeparameter; and testing electromagnetic signal strength usingelectromagnetic signal testing units disposed in the vehicles assignedto at least one of said one or more select routes.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the time parameter includes a time window.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said route data includes a start timecorresponding to said start location and an end time corresponding tosaid end location.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said time parameterfurther comprises one or more lingering parameters, each of said one ormore lingering parameters comprising a linger duration, a toweridentifier, and a sector identifier.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe test parameters includes identification of a type of signal testingunit.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of installing furthercomprises providing a universal bracket in each vehicle in said fleet,said bracket configured to releasably receive any of a variety of typesof said testing units.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising thestep of: assigning a weight to one or more of said test parameters, eachof said weights correlated to the importance of said one or more of saidtest parameters relative to the others.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the test parameters further comprise a tower parameter.
 9. Anon-transitory computer software program product for identifyingvehicles to conduct testing electromagnetic signal strength near atarget area, comprising: a first executable portion configured toreceive test parameters wherein the test parameters comprise a targetarea and a time parameter; a second executable portion configured toreceive a dispatch plan for a fleet of vehicles serving a territory nearsaid target area, each of said vehicles assigned to one of a pluralityof routes according to a dispatch plan, said dispatch plan comprisingvehicle data and route data, wherein said route data comprises time dataindicating an expected time window during which a vehicle travelling theroute is likely to arrive at a given location; a third executableportion configured to compare said test parameters to said dispatch planfor each of said plurality of routes; a fourth executable portionconfigured to identify one or more select routes from among saidplurality of routes based on the results of said third executableportion, said select routes comprising those satisfying said testparameters including said target area and time parameter; and a fifthexecutable portion configured to identify the vehicle assigned to eachof said one or more select routes for use in gathering electromagneticsignal data.
 10. The computer software program product of claim 9,wherein said time parameter includes a time window.
 11. The computersoftware program product of claim 9, wherein said route data includes astart time corresponding to said start location and an end timecorresponding to said end location.
 12. The computer software programproduct of claim 9, wherein said time parameters further comprise one ormore lingering parameters, each of said one or more lingering parameterscomprising a linger duration, a tower identifier, and a sectoridentifier.
 13. The computer software program product of claim 9,wherein said first executable portion is further configured to receivetest parameters including: one or more unit parameters, each of said oneor more unit parameters comprising a unit type and a unit feature, and aquantity parameter defining an available number of said units, andwherein said second executable portion is further configured to storevehicle data including a number of vehicles in said fleet.
 14. Thecomputer software program product of claim 9, wherein said firstexecutable portion is further configured to assign a weight to one ormore of said test parameters, each of said weights correlated to theimportance of said one or more of said test parameters relative to theothers.
 15. A system for identifying particular vehicles from a fleet ofvehicles for use in testing electromagnetic signal strength near atarget area, comprising: a computer system comprising one or more memorystorage areas and one or more processors, the computer system configuredto: receive test parameters wherein the test parameters comprise atarget area and a time parameter; receive a dispatch plan for a fleet ofvehicles serving a territory near said target area, each of saidvehicles assigned to one of a plurality of routes according to adispatch plan, said dispatch plan comprising vehicle data and routedata, wherein said route data comprises time data indicating an expectedtime window during which a vehicle travelling the route is likely toarrive at a given location; compare said test parameters to saiddispatch plan for each of said plurality of routes; and identify one ormore select routes from among said plurality of routes based on resultsfrom said comparing, said select routes comprising those satisfying saidtest parameters including said target area and time parameter.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the time parameter includes a time window.17. The system of claim 15, wherein said route data includes a starttime corresponding to said start location and an end time correspondingto said end location.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein said timeparameters further comprise one or more lingering parameters, each ofsaid one or more lingering parameters comprising a linger duration, atower identifier, and a sector identifier.
 19. The system of claim 15,wherein said system further comprises a universal bracket disposed in atleast some of the vehicles in said fleet, said bracket configured toreleasably receive any of a variety of types of said testing units. 20.The system of claim 15, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to: assign a weight to one or more of said test parameters,each of said weights correlated to the importance of said one or more ofsaid test parameters relative to the others.